If you’ve ever wondered whether to write itself or its self, you’re not alone. These forms look similar, but only one is correct in standard English—and using the wrong one can make your writing look unpolished.
Here’s the simple answer: itself is correct, while its self is incorrect in modern usage.
Quick Answer: Itself or Its Self
- Itself ✅ Correct
- Its self ❌ Incorrect
- Always use itself
Example:
- The cat cleaned itself.
- The machine shut down by itself.
What Does “Itself” Mean?
Itself is a reflexive pronoun. It refers back to a thing or animal already mentioned in the sentence.
Uses of “Itself”
- Showing an action done to itself
- Adding emphasis
- Referring back to the subject
Examples of “Itself”
- The dog scratched itself.
- The system updated itself.
- The door opened by itself.
- The problem solved itself.
Think: itself = the object and subject are the same
Why “Its Self” Is Incorrect
Its self (two words) is not used in modern standard English. It may appear logical, but it is considered incorrect.
Why?
- Reflexive pronouns are written as one word
- English does not split “itself” into two words
Correct:
- itself ✅
Incorrect:
- its self ❌
Itself vs Its Self Comparison
| Form | Correct? | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Itself | ✅ Yes | Standard reflexive pronoun |
| Its self | ❌ No | Incorrect form |
Key Difference Explained Simply
- Itself = correct reflexive pronoun
- Its self = incorrect split form
Easy Trick to Remember
Use this simple trick:
👉 All reflexive pronouns are one word:
- myself
- yourself
- himself
- herself
- itself
So:
- itself = correct
- its self = wrong
Common Mistakes People Make
Mistake 1: Splitting the Word
Incorrect: The cat cleaned its self.
Correct: The cat cleaned itself.
Mistake 2: Confusing “Its” and “It’s”
Remember:
- Its = possessive
- It’s = it is
But neither becomes “its self.”
Mistake 3: Overthinking the Structure
Keep it simple use itself.
Real Life Examples
Everyday Use
- The baby fed itself.
- The car stopped by itself.
Technology
- The app updated itself.
- The system restarted itself.
Nature
- The plant healed itself.
American vs British English
There is no difference:
- Itself ✅
- Its self ❌
Related Pronouns
- Myself
- Yourself
- Himself
- Herself
- Themselves
All follow the same pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is correct itself or its self?
Itself is correct.
Is its self ever correct?
No, not in standard modern English.
What type of word is itself?
A reflexive pronoun.
Why is itself one word?
Because all reflexive pronouns are written as one word.
Can I split reflexive pronouns?
No.
Is this a common mistake?
Yes, especially in informal writing.
How do I remember the rule?
All “-self” pronouns are one word.
Does pronunciation differ?
No, but spelling matters.
Summary
The difference between itself or its self is simple: itself is the correct reflexive pronoun used in standard English, while its self is incorrect and should be avoided.
To keep your writing clear and accurate, always use itself as one word. Remember that all reflexive pronouns follow this same pattern, making it easy to stay consistent.
Actionable takeaway:
Always write itself as one word never split it into its self.
